Publication Date:
1982-12-01
Description:
SUMMARYExperiments were conducted in association with farmers during 1977, 1978 and 1979 on a River Estate sandy loam at Valsayn and on a Cunupia clay loam at Piarco, Trinidad, to assess the relative importance of components in a set of practices for wetseason production of ‘yellow shell’ pods of ‘blackeye’ type of cow pea (Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp.). Though the response of the cow pea growth, yield and seed quality characteristics were similar at both locations, crop performance was consistently better at Valsayn and was attributed to more favourable soil conditions and to a lower incidence of pests (mainly Ceratoma beetles), cow pea severe mosaic virus, and weeds. Overall, it was found that pest control was the most important management factor, accounting for a mean yield increase of 144%. The adoption of the improved cultivar, California Blackeye No. 5, increased yield by 77%. Other inputs resulting in significant yield increases were, in order of magnitude, weed control (40%), roguing of mosaic infected plants (37%) and high plant density of 110000 plants/ha (23%). A fertilizer treatment did not significantly increase yield. The results suggest that adoption of the insect control treatment by farmers in their cultivation of an improved cultivar sown at high plant density, the use of herbicide and roguing of mosaic infected plants have practical potential and would be economically justified for the production of high yields and good quality ‘yellow shell’ pods of vegetable cow pea for processing.
Print ISSN:
0021-8596
Electronic ISSN:
1469-5146
Topics:
Agriculture, Forestry, Horticulture, Fishery, Domestic Science, Nutrition
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